Budget-Friendly U.S. Cities Where You Won't Shovel Snow: 15 Cheap Places to Live with Warm Winters

Finding an affordable place to call home doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to cold, snowy winters. If you’re searching for cheap places to live where it doesn’t snow or where winters stay mild, the good news is they absolutely exist across the United States. While housing markets have heated up significantly in recent years, with prices climbing steadily since the pandemic, certain pockets of America still offer the rare combination of reasonable property costs and genuinely pleasant climates year-round.

Using housing data from Zillow and weather patterns from WeatherSpark, researchers identified 15 U.S. cities with populations exceeding 150,000 that buck the typical trend. These affordable cities offer median home values under $300,000 while maintaining temperate conditions that mean minimal winter precipitation and comfortable temperatures throughout the year.

The Challenge: Finding Affordable Housing Meets Pleasant Climate

The real estate market has presented an interesting paradox for buyers. While concerns about potential housing bubbles persist, affordable properties in desirable climates remain surprisingly scarce. Most warm-weather destinations command premium prices, and most budget-friendly markets tend to come with harsh winters. Yet this report reveals that sweet spot does exist—you just need to know where to look.

The key to these discoveries lies in analyzing two datasets simultaneously: actual property costs from the nation’s most comprehensive real estate database, combined with comprehensive weather analytics. The result is a curated list of cheap living destinations where you can skip the snow while keeping your mortgage manageable.

Southern Warmth on a Compact Budget

The South dominates this ranking, offering the most compelling combination of low housing costs and snow-free or nearly snow-free winters. These regions benefit from geographic positioning that delivers mild temperatures even during winter months, with average lows rarely dipping below freezing for extended periods.

Jackson, Mississippi leads the affordability race dramatically. The median home price sits at just $70,078—making it the clear winner for budget-conscious buyers seeking warm climates without the snow stress. Summer temperatures average 73°F to 92°F, while winter stays relatively mild at 38°F to 58°F.

Birmingham, Alabama ranks second with significantly more housing inventory and median prices around $100,509. The city enjoys similar temperature ranges (72°F to 90°F summers, 36°F to 54°F winters) while offering more urban amenities and job opportunities than Jackson.

Shreveport, Louisiana claims the third position with median home values at $125,769. This Louisiana city experiences warm summers (72°F to 90°F) and gentle winters (31°F to 48°F), making snowfall a rare occurrence.

Mid-South Options: The Next Wave of Affordable Warmth

Moving slightly up the affordability scale, several other cities deliver excellent value propositions. Memphis, Tennessee offers median homes priced at $145,968 with summer heat ranging from 74°F to 91°F and winter temperatures between 34°F and 50°F. Columbus, Georgia provides a similar profile at $144,006 median home value, with climate patterns (73°F to 91°F summers, 38°F to 58°F winters) ideal for those avoiding harsh winters.

Mobile, Alabama presents another compelling option at $175,700 median pricing, featuring warm summers (75°F to 90°F) and mild winters (42°F to 60°F). The coastal location provides additional amenities while maintaining affordability.

Central Region Hidden Gems

The nation’s interior offers surprising pockets of cheap living with acceptable winter conditions. Little Rock, Arkansas delivers median home prices of $189,947 with summer temperatures from 74°F to 93°F and winter lows between 34°F and 51°F. Baton Rouge, Louisiana sits just above at $203,770, enjoying similar summer intensity (74°F to 91°F) with milder winters (43°F to 62°F) thanks to its southern position.

Springfield, Missouri represents the more continental climate option on this list, with homes averaging $210,441. Despite colder winters (26°F to 43°F), this Midwest city avoids significant snowfall, offering summer comfort from 69°F to 89°F.

Eastern Options: Affordable Plus Accessible

For those preferring Northeastern proximity or considering transition zones, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offers documented weather stability with 102 clear days annually, just 73 days below freezing, and only 52 days exceeding 90°F. The city’s housing affordability index reaches approximately 30%, making it attractive for East Coast seekers.

Greensboro, North Carolina ($228,448 median) provides a transitional climate with manageable winters (31°F to 49°F) and pleasant summers (70°F to 87°F). San Antonio, Texas ($257,775 median) and Tallahassee, Florida ($260,360 median) round out the upper-price options, offering Texas heat and Florida warmth respectively, with rare winter snow events.

The Upper Range: Affordable by Comparison

Huntsville, Alabama ($262,671 median) and Norfolk, Virginia ($265,043 median) complete the rankings. While technically the priciest on this list, they remain well under $300,000—considered remarkably affordable in today’s market. Both cities feature mild winters with minimal snow, making them sensible choices for buyers prioritizing climate comfort alongside reasonable housing costs.

Why These Cities Represent the Best Value

This curated collection demonstrates that cheap places to live where snow remains minimal absolutely exist. The data confirms what many real estate analysts suspected: by expanding search parameters beyond traditional hot markets and coastal destinations, buyers unlock properties that deliver both affordability and year-round comfort.

The primary advantage lies in recognizing that established major metros command premiums specifically for their climates and amenities. These 15 cities offer similar or superior weather without the premium price tags. Whether you’re seeking the deepest discounts of the Deep South or preferring Mid-Atlantic stability, this list provides concrete data to guide your next move. With median prices ranging from under $100,000 to mid-$260,000s and winters that rarely require heavy snow removal, these affordable cities deserve serious consideration from anyone prioritizing both budget and climate in their housing decisions.